There are 32 Premier Cru vineyards within Mercurey AOC, but no Grand Cru vineyards exist in this part of Burgundy. The AOC was created in 1936.

The red wines of this area are characterized by their deep color, compared to neighboring appellations, and fuller bodies. The wines of Mercurey are noted for their spicycherry notes but quality can be quite varied. The late 20th century saw an influx in vineyard expansion with some new plantings going on sites less suitable for quality viticulture. This expansion has increased the propensity for lower quality Mercurey which can taste more dilute with weaker fruit flavors. The less common white wines made in the area are characterized by their minerality and apple notes. Well-made examples typically drink at their peak between 5–12 years after vintage.

In 2008, 646.09 hectares (1,596.5 acres) of vineyard surface was in production for Mercurey at village and Premier Cru level, and 27,668 hectoliters of wine were produced, of which 22,583 hectoliters were red wine and 5,105 hectoliters were white wine. Some 75.66 hectares (187.0 acres) of this area was used for the white wines in 2007. The total amount produced corresponds to just under 3.7 million bottles, of which just over 3.0 million bottles of red wine and just under 700,000 bottles of white wine.

Mercurey has the largest production of the Côte Chalonnaise appellations.

The AOC regulations allow up to 15 per cent total of Chardonnay, Pinot blanc and Pinot gris as accessory grapes in the red wines, but this not very often practiced. For white wines, both Chardonnay and Pinot blanc are allowed, but most wines are likely to be 100% Chardonnay. The allowed base yield is 40 hectoliter per hectare for red wine and 45 for white wine. The grapes must reach a maturity of at least 10.5 per cent potential alcohol for village-level red wine, 11.0 per cent for village-level white wine and Premier Cru red wine, and 11.5 per cent for Premier Cru white wine.